Let's recap last week's predictions before I start talking about week two.
Indianapolis - 24
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New England - 27
With a 27-17 lead going into the fourth quarter, I knew the Patriots weren't safe. They were facing a Colts team that beat the Bucs last year when trailing by 21 points with 4 minutes left; simply amazing. So while some New England fans went to bed, I stayed awakened because I knew this one wasn't over yet.
3rd down and the Colts are in field goal range with the score 27-24. Willie McGinest blitzes Peyton Manning's blindside and sacks him to put them into 48 yard field goal attempt on 4th down. The snap, the hold -- the rest was history. Patriots win and I bring home my first win of the season.
Result: +100
Cincinnati - 24
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New York Jets - 31
Who would of thought that I, the biggest doubter of Curtis Martin on the east side, would pick the stumbling Jets to beat the up and rising Bengals? I would just like to thank Curtis Martin right now for my ficticious win and another $150 in my pocket after his 196 rushing yards, 2 touchdown performance on Sunday (though I still believe he won't get 700+ yards this season).
Result: +150
Baltimore - 20
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Cleveland - 3
Out of all my picks for Week One, I believed this is the game I had the best chance of winning.
Baltimore has been the most publicized team in the NFL since they signed Deion Sanders to play nickelback and everyone knew Jamal Lewis was just going to run over that weak Cleveland defense.
Last year, Lewis guaranteed he would break the NFL single game rushing record against the Cleveland Browns -- and did. This week, I hear no guarantees and Lewis walks away from the game with 57 yards rushing.
Then there is "Primetime" Deion Sanders who's only stat on Sunday was a punt return that he gained 5 yards on. No tackles. No interceptions. No pass deflections. A punt return for 5 yards.
Result: -150
Detroit - 20
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Chicago - 16
Am I the new Swami, or what?
The Detroit Lions haven't won a road game in 20+ games, so who would of thought they could win? Me. I, even though I never mention it, like the Detroit Lions. I'm not avid about them like the Patriots but I do like to watch the team because of their young, budding superstars.
Detroit in the Super Bowl, baby!
Result: +50 (notice the faith I have in the Lions.)
Tampa Bay - 10
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Washington - 16
This Washington win raises my record to a cool 4-1 with one game left.
Clinton Portis, who I was able to see carry for his first time as a Redskin, had over 140 rushing yards on the day, 64 of them coming on his first rush of the day. In just one game, Portis has already shown he'll be a huge impact on this Redskin offense. If Brunell can't cut it then all you have to do is feed the ball to Portis and he'll get the job done.
When they traded for Portis, they lost cover Cornerback Champ Bailey. It didn't effect the 'Skins much as they only allowed 10 points by the Bucs; and impressive showing for a team that who's strong suit has never been defense.
Result: +100
THE UNDERDOG PICK OF THE WEEK:
Atlanta - 21
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San Francisco - 19
This was a toss up but it surely was to favor Mike Vick -- excuse me, Atlanta.
San Francisco played well in front of their home crowd and even Jim Mora Jr., Atlanta's new Head Coach, said he was "proud" at how they played against his own team.
It came down to the two-point conversion. After a Tim Rattay to Eric Johnson touchdown, they need the two points to tie it at 21. Rattay threw it into the endzone for Brandon Lloyd but it was knocked down and all the Falcons had to do was recover the onside kick and kneel the ball.
Result: -200
Week 1 Results:
4-2, +50
Standings After Week 1:
4-2
The Bank After Week 1:
$1,050
Week Two Picks
Winners are underlined.
In the bank: $1,050
New England @ Arizona - $150
Houston @ Detroit - $100
Pittsburgh @ Baltimore - $50
Buffalo @ Oakland - $100
and the UNDERDOG PICK OF THE WEEK!:
Denver @ Jacksonville - $150
